In contrast to Bali’s bustling energy, Lombok is a quiet and untouched haven. After you have spent some time exploring Bali, a short trip will take you directly to Lombok. The island’s natural paradise is filled with sparkling, crystal clear water and a variety of rugged landscapes, from cliff edges overlooking the beach to thick jungle.
To reach Lombok from Bali, first, choose your mode of transport: fly, travel by fast boat or public ferry or take a private charter.
By plane
From Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, flights depart directly to Lombok International Airport. Daily flights are available with a choice of carriers and the flight time is about 30 minutes in total. Flying is an easy way to reach the island and a great option if you get seasick or have heavy luggage that is hard to carry.
By public ferry
Ferries to Lombok depart every hour from Padang Bai Harbour taking you to Lembar. The trip takes between four to five hours, plus waiting time for boarding. Public ferries are a low budget option if you have spare time on your journey.
Fast boat
The fast boat is a great way to travel between the islands; however, be sure to do your research for the best price, schedule and safety options. Depending on your departure point, the journey takes between 2 to 3 hours. The boats depart regularly and are an excellent and accessible option for transport to the islands.
Private charter
If you are travelling in a group, a private charter could work well for you. It is an expensive option; however, it can be great for those looking to explore different places between both Bali and Lombok.
Departure points from Bali and Lombok
There are three different departure points when it comes to travelling to Lombok. Boats depart from Serangan, Padang Bai and Sanur jetty. When returning or journeying from Lombok to Bali, ferries depart from Bangsal Harbour, Senggigi Harbour and Teluk Kode.
The Gili Islands by fast boat
For those wanting to go from Bali directly to the Gili Islands; some boats depart and travel directly onto the islands without passing through Lombok. The fast boats from Bali to Gili Islands take between one and a half to two hours and depart in the morning.
The difference between the public ferries and the fast boat is that the ferries will take you first to Lombok and then on to the Gili Islands after that, so the travel time is much longer.
The Gili Islands by plane
When comparing flying with the fast boat, the flight will be a much longer journey. This is due to the fact there is no airport on the Gili Islands, so you will need to fly to Lombok first and then travel to the nearest harbour and take a 30-minute to one-hour boat to the Gili Islands.
There are numerous ways to reach Lombok and the Gili Islands; however, what it comes down to is your preferred way to travel, time frame and budget.
